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As a devout Hindu, I pay homage to Lord Muruga every Thaipusam and this year it was no different. My trip to Batu Caves this time, fortunately or otherwise, coincided with the grand official ceremony where our beloved MIC president S Samy Vellu and his entourage were the guests of honour, proudly seated at the grandstand.

I could not help notice the extravagance that was splurged for the ceremony. Among others, no less than 10 (including the president) were honoured with garlands and we all know for a fact that they cost a lot of money.

I can understand and accept if the MIC president receives such honour but why turn the whole religious occasion into a political affair? The religious significance is lost and it would really prick my conscience if I did not declare my open protest at such gross excess.

Every year, we have hundreds and thousands of devotees who travel from all parts of the country to be part of the Thaipusam celebrations at Batu Caves and many of these people belong to the lower income group who can't afford a decent accommodation for even a night.

You see them putting up under the flyovers and in every nook and corner within the temple compound and practically everywhere else. This year, with the torrential rains the night before Thaipusam, the stench from filth accumulated was unbearable. Uncollected refuse formed mini mountains all over and pests were having a gala time, a perfect health hazard.

This scenario will not change overnight but if concrete efforts and initiatives are translated into workable plans, we may see significant improvement at the Batu Caves Thaipusam celebrations over the years.

There are lots the temple authority can do the least being to provide some kind of hostels or dormitories for the poor souls who visit during Thaipusam. The investment can bring returns in the form of rentals with effective marketing and promotion during off-peak seasons. Proper toilet and bathing facilities also need to be looked into seriously.

Perhaps, the temple - with all the cash in its coffers - should start a scholarship fund for underprivileged Indian students.

Devotion and penance come with giving, not to the high and mighty, but to the deserving and this is far more sanctimonious than building the tallest statue to enter the Guinness Book of Records.

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